King Richard III

by William Shakespeare

"King Richard III" by William Shakespeare is a play written around 1592–1594 that depicts the ruthless rise to power of Richard of Gloucester. Determined to seize the crown despite being unloved and physically deformed, Richard manipulates, deceives, and murders his way to the throne. Through calculated schemes, he eliminates rivals, woos enemies, and betrays allies—including his own family. As paranoia grows and ghosts haunt him, Richard's brief reign spirals toward a final, desperate confrontation at Bosworth Field.